Most basic budget apps allow you to keep track of your finances and categorize expenses. However, these tools also do other things. These are some of the most crowd-pleasers on the market.
- Mint
Mint has received high ratings in both the Google Play and App Store. It has a lot of reviews, and it’s free to use. It can sync various accounts, such as credit cards, checking accounts, investments, and loans.
Mint categorizes your expenses into unlimited budget categories. It also lets you set specific limits for these categories, and it will notify you if you reach those limits.
Aside from budgeting features, Mint also allows users to track their goals and save more money. It also displays their credit score and net worth. Additionally, the app has a lot of support features.
-Cons
Although Mint is impressive, it may not be ideal for those looking to be more hands-on with budgeting. For instance, other apps may be better for you if you’re searching for an app that allows you to plan for your money instead of tracking it after it has already been made.
- YNAB
YNAB has received the highest ratings in both Google Play and Apple Store. It’s also tied with a couple of other budget apps for the most Apple Store ratings. YNAB aims to help users plan their financial transactions instead of tracking past transactions. It follows a zero-based budgeting system, meaning that every dollar you earn is allocated to a specific plan.
After you receive your paycheck, you can tell YNAB how much of it should go to various categories, such as savings, expenses, and goals. The goal of this system is to help users become more intentional with their money. With all of this in mind, YNAB is very hands-on, and it’s also very educational. The app’s website has many resources to help users get started.
You can also link your various accounts, such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans, using YNAB. It works on multiple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Alexa.
-Cons
It’s essential to keep up with YNAB to ensure you get the most out of it. Its design is ideal for people looking to get hands-on with their finances. Unfortunately, its price is higher than other budget apps.
- Goodbudget
Instead of tracking past transactions, Goodbudget allows users to plan their finances. It’s based on an envelope budgeting system, meaning that you divide your income into different spending categories every month.
The app doesn’t connect to your bank accounts. Instead, it allows users to manually add balances, income, debts, and cash amounts. They then assign their money to envelopes.The app can be accessed from both the web and the phone. It also has a lot of helpful articles and videos that will help users get started.
The free version of Goodbudget allows users to have one account and two devices. Its paid version, Goodbudget Plus, will enable users to have unlimited budgets and multiple devices.
-Cons
Unfortunately, Goodbudget doesn’t allow users to sync their financial accounts. This means that it will not be effective if you’re not up for entering all your expenses.
- EveryDollar
A free app called EveryDollar offers a zero-based budgeting system that is easier to manage than YNAB. Unlike other budgeting apps, it doesn’t allow users to sync their accounts. Instead, it will enable users to manually enter their money into their budget and set reminders for their bills.
The paid version of EveryDollar also comes with various features, such as automatic transactions and reports. It can be accessed from both the web and the phone, and it can sync your bank accounts.
-Cons
Unfortunately, the accessible version of EveryDollar is fundamental. On the other hand, its paid version is the most expensive app on this list. The app’s website also doesn’t have a lot of resources for users.